Lay Counseling/Speaking

Are You a Stuffer?

“Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well.” (Matthew 9:22 NASB)

The above verse (spoken by Jesus) is from the story of a woman who had been struggling with a hemorrhage for twelve years. In the midst of a crowd she followed Jesus, knowing if she could “only touch His garment, she could get well.” What faith she had in the healing power of Jesus! However, it is important to remember that the most significant healing in this life, is spiritual. John 8:36 says, “So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” (NASB) I sadly confess that for many years as Christian (and pastor’s wife) I did not walk in this freedom, as I was still in bondage to my past. I was a “stuffer” stuffing the pain down deep, choosing never to think about it, much less share it. Yet the older I got, the harder it got to keep the pain under the surface. The pain began to manifest itself in ways that were anything but productive. As my dear friend Jo Ann Fore says in her book, When a Woman Finds Her Voice:

“Those things we stuff, try so hard to ignore, they are the very things begging for release–the things that hold the promise of hope, the flame of freedom.”

What about you? Are you a stuffer? It may seem less painful in the moment, but I assure you it will come out in other ways like isolation, fear, anxiety, depression, undiagnosed physical symptoms, etc. Processing the pain in the moment hurts, but it hurts much more to keep it inside.

“The story you’re scared to share–that story has the power to change both your life an the lives of others.” Jo Ann Fore

“But Jesus turning and seeing her said, ‘Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well.’ At once the woman was made well.” (John 9:22 NASB)

Dear daughter of Jesus, take courage! As you step out in faith and share your story, you too will be made well.

I end with some exciting news! For a limited time you can purchase Jo Ann’s book on Kindle for only $2.99. What are you waiting for? Download your copy NOW.